Seven unique baby gifts that parents will actually use
Welcoming a new baby can feel like ushering in a ray of sunshine on a chilly winter morning. Except that, unlike winter’s short-lived warmth, the joy exuded by babies will endure for years.
Therefore, every birth is an achievement worth celebrating. And how better to recognize this defining milestone than by presenting the new parents with befitting gifts.
In this post, we explore the seven unique and practical baby gifts that every mom and dad will love.
1) Stuffed animals
Stuffed animals are undoubtedly one of the most unique baby gifts. And contrary to what many believe, the magic behind stuffed toys goes beyond their sheer cuteness.
Stuffed animals can provide newborns with a sense of comfort and security, creating companionship while parents are attending to important household chores. They provide a positive distraction in otherwise dull environments.
Interacting with stuffed toys may also foster empathy. Each moment spent playing with the animal helps develop strong emotional connections, creating lifelong memories.
Stuffed animals offer sensory stimulation, too. Their familiar sight, texture, and scent can play an instrumental role in helping a baby explore their immediate surroundings.
Moreover, stuffed toys are typically designed with durability in mind. The gift’s sentimental value can endure for years, encouraging the recipient to reminisce about their childhood years.
2) Onesies
Clothing often ranks among the top new baby gift ideas. But while you can present a newborn parent with different types of baby outfits, none captures the essence of infancy than onesies.
Onesies are super practical for most parents. They take the hassles from diaper changes and help keep babies warm for hours.
Besides, wearing a single onesie eliminates the need for strapping a baby with multiple clothes. This can save parents a great deal of detergent expenses and laundry time.
To pick the right onesie for a new parent, consider the fabric the clothing is manufactured from. Studies have shown that the human skin reacts differently to various textiles.
For a newborn, insist on onesies made from soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic fabrics. Organic cotton would be an excellent choice.
Alternatively, consider onesies designed from Merino wool or bamboo. While both options are costlier than cotton, they’re super comfortable due to their finer fibers.
3) Flannel blankets
Comfort is the byword when it comes to baby gifts. It’s particularly important when shopping for newborn clothing or bedding, such as flannel blankets.
Flannel blankets are remarkably soft and breathable. They can keep a newborn’s cradle warmer for longer, minimizing shivers and helping soothe the baby to restful sleep.
Flannel blankets are versatile, too. While commonly used for swaddling, you could also deploy them as stroller covers.
Like onesies, insist on flannel blankets made from baby-safe fabrics like 100% cotton, wool, or bamboo. Select a breathable material that keeps a baby warm while preventing overheating.
Flannel blankets must be durable, too, considering that they may be useful for several months. Choose a blanket made from fabrics that can withstand frequent washing without fraying.
4) Baby shampoo
Like adults, newborns require an array of topicals to keep their skin in a peak condition. Shampoos are one such product.
A baby shampoo helps nourish their delicate skin. The right product may also fend off common pediatric skin issues, including diaper rash.
Therefore, extreme caution is necessary while shopping for baby shampoos. Read a product’s ingredients carefully and research the dermatological efficacy of each compound.
Insist on shampoos containing nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil, while shunning those laced with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like ethanol. Since all babies have sensitive skin, avoid shampoos containing fragrances.
If you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult the parent on their preferred baby shampoo brand. Sure, this will eliminate the element of surprise, which attends many gift-giving sessions. But it’s better than surprising the parents with the wrong product.
5) Baby carrier
Toys can only keep babies engaged long enough. Sooner or later, they’re going to need more attention. Nothing appeases newborns than the sight of their parents cuddling them in their arms.
But while parents equally cherish these intimate experiences, spending more time in a baby’s company could derail other important household chores. Baby carriers were designed primarily to address these concerns.
A baby carrier helps parents stay in close contact with their babies while attending to their routine tasks or strolling the neighborhood. It also supports the baby’s physical development by aligning their hips and postures correctly.
While most carriers are ideal for babies who can already sit, options for younger ages exist, too.
6) Baby car seat
Baby car seats are an invaluable investment for parents who drive a lot. These unique gift items help secure infants, absorbing shocks during rapid braking or mild collisions.
While shopping for the right baby car seat, consider the child’s age. Select a seat that can snugly accommodate the baby.
An undersized baby car seat can tighten around the child, causing great discomfort while traveling. Meanwhile, an oversized seat beats the whole logic of using the product in the first place.
Modern baby car seats come with sophisticated securing mechanisms like five-point harnesses. Some also feature swivel and removable bases, providing extra convenience while traveling. If you’re looking for a car seat specifically for newborn infants, insist on a rear-facing seat.
7) Coffee mugs
Coffee mugs are perhaps the only newborn gift idea on this list that’s used exclusively by parents. They offer a practical way for new parents to enjoy their morning coffee, helping them reenergize for the eventful day ahead.
Coffee mugs are remarkably easy to choose as well. While size is certainly a key factor, you can experiment with something larger or smaller than the standard sizes.
Perhaps a bigger consideration would be the material the mug is made from. Consider a material that enhances coffee’s flavor while helping with temperature regulation.
And to make the gift outstanding, be sure to personalize it accordingly. You could include the parents’ names or incorporate a baby-themed design.
Unlocking practical gifts to wow every new parent
Finding the perfect baby gift requires adequate planning. At least, you must understand the parents’ interests and get them something that aligns with their personalities.
That shouldn’t be much of a problem if the recipient is a close friend or relative. But if you’re searching for newborn gifts for an introvert or distant kin, there’s a chance your well-intentioned presents may be declined for falling short of expectations.
Your best bet is to find a gift basket containing most or all of these seven ideas. That way, you’re sure the recipient will find something they love, despite how picky they may be.
